Park bench unveiled in honour of Hayden Foulon

On Friday afternoon, June 7, over 100 people from Wallaceburg and the surrounding area gathered together to support one of their own.

Volunteers created and donated a bench, in honour of Hayden Foulon.

As part of a list of all of her dreams, Hayden wished to have something named after herself, and Wallaceburg made this happen.

Engraved on the bench is the saying: “Never, Ever, Ever Give Up.”

Lindsay Foulon, Hayden’s mother spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the bench, which was installed at Kinsmen Park in Wallaceburg.

“On behalf of Hayden and our entire family, we want to thank everyone who was involved in this amazing project for our sweet girl,” she said.

“Thank you to Tracy O’Brien-Vandamme, Marielaine Douglas, Aaron Hall, Jane McGee, Chatham Kent Municipality, Carrie Dekort, and to all of the donators and behind the scenes helpers who helped make this wish of ours come to life.”

“Thank you to Mayor Canniff and to all of the Councillors, the Fire Department and Police Services and to everyone for coming here today to join us in the ribbon cutting ceremony for this beautiful bench.”

At only seven-years-old, Hayden is currently in her third fight battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.), which is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

“Hayden has been through a gauntlet and hasn’t stopped,” Lindsay Foulon said.

“She has never given up and three relapses later never will. Our hearts are humbled and we are so thankful to have roots in this amazing community. Thank you Wallaceburg.”

In attendance at the bench ceremony was Mayor Darrin Canniff, Councillors Aaron Hall and Carmen McGregor, the Town Crier George Sims, as well as Hayden’s family and numerous supporters.